You Won't Need Xbox Live Gold For Project Spark

The ambitious Project Spark caught our attention at E3, and we've been since wondering how Microsoft would balance the free-to-play approach with Xbox Live Gold. New information indicates that Microsoft will be putting the ambitious title in front of the paywall.

According to community manager Mike Lescault in a post on Reddit, players will not need an Xbox Live Gold subscription to partake in Project Spark. The title will allow users to build gameplay experiences with the included tools.

Project Spark will be free, but purchases will unlock new building elements, environments, and characters. The Project Spark beta will begin on PC as soon as this month, with an Xbox One beta beginning at the start of 2014.

Our TakeIt's surprising that Microsoft is putting Project Spark in front of the Xbox Live paywall. It's a smart move, and I hope it's a hint that the company is considering a shift in policy related to free-to-play games like World of Tanks. Matching Sony's approach in this regard would go a long way for console sales, even if it might have minor, negative financial impact with regard to Xbox Live subscriptions.